30 Sep 2008

NZ to extend peackeeping mission in Iraq

7:25 pm on 30 September 2008

New Zealand's commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Iraq is to be extended until the end of next year.

Defence Minister Phil Goff says New Zealand has contributed a military liaison officer to the mission since September 2004.

Mr Goff says it has also contributed emergency humanitarian relief and other assistance worth more than $17 million to Iraq.

Extending the officer's deployment to Iraq is estimated to cost $216,000.